If you are tired of battling the tiny bumps on your nose or chin that never seem to go away, you are not alone. Blackheads and sebaceous filaments are some of the most frustrating skin concerns because cleansing alone will not clear them, pore strips only rip the surface, and squeezing creates redness and damage.
Many people assume these dots are always blackheads. In reality, they are often sebaceous filaments, which are a normal part of how pores function and naturally refill with oil over time. If you have ever been confused about the difference, this guide explains what sebaceous filaments are and how to manage them without damaging your skin, and why permanent removal is not the goal.
Once you understand that distinction, the approach changes.
K-beauty finally answered this problem with something better. Something gentler. Something that actually works.
It is called the blackhead melt method, and it has gone viral because you can literally watch pores clear without squeezing or pain. The secret behind the trend is the Ilso Super Melting Sebum Softener Set, a three-step system designed to soften, melt, and lift sebum from the pores with minimal stress to the skin.
If you want smoother skin, clearer pores, and a nose that looks refined instead of textured, this routine may become your new weekly ritual.
Why is everyone obsessed with the melting method?
Traditional blackhead removal relies on force. Pulling. Scraping. Squeezing. And usually, none of it addresses the root of the problem.
The Ilso method works differently. It softens the hardened oil inside the pore until it liquifies, then gently lifts it out. No squeezing. No redness. No trauma.
That is why people with a strawberry nose, persistent congestion, and uneven texture are calling it life changing.
What comes in the Ilso Melting Set
The set contains everything you need for a full at-home pore treatment.
Ilso Super Melting Sebum Softener
A pore-softening liquid that dissolves compacted oil inside stubborn congestion.
Ilso 1/3 Saving Cotton Pads
Ultra-thin pads designed to stay saturated on the skin and deliver the formula evenly.
Ilso Deep Clean Master
A stainless steel gliding tool that sweeps out melted sebum without pressure.
Together, these steps mimic professional facial extraction in a way that is gentle enough for weekly use.
How the melting method works
Blackheads and sebum plugs form when oil oxidises and hardens inside the pore. Cleansers cannot reach inside, pore strips only pull the surface, and exfoliants help but rarely clear the root.
The melting method works because it addresses the plug directly. The softener breaks down hardened sebum, the cotton pad holds it in place long enough to work, and the Deep Clean Master lifts it out once it has liquified.
The result is visibly clearer pores, often after just one session.
How to use the Ilso Melting Set step by step
Follow this routine one to three times per week.
Step 1: Warm and cleanse
Start with a gentle cleanse to remove sunscreen and surface oil.
For extra effectiveness, place a warm towel over the nose or T-zone for one to two minutes to help soften sebum.
Step 2: Saturate the cotton pad
Soak one Ilso 1/3 Saving Cotton Pad with the Sebum Softener until evenly damp.
Press onto congested areas such as the nose, chin, forehead, or inner cheeks.
Step 3: Let the formula melt the sebum
Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Do not allow the pad to dry out. Add more softener if needed.
During this time, hardened sebum begins to dissolve. The skin often looks glossy when it is ready.
Step 4: Lift the pad and observe
Remove the pad and inspect the skin.
Softened white or yellow plugs may already be visible near the surface.
Step 5: Glide the Deep Clean Master
Hold the tool at a 45-degree angle and gently glide. Do not press.
Liquified sebum should release easily.
Wipe the tool after each pass.
Step 6: Rinse and soothe
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Finish with a calming toner, hydrating essence, and light moisturiser.
Avoid strong acids or retinol on the same day if your skin is sensitive.
How often should you use the melting method?
Use it:
1 to 2 times per week for normal or combination skin
2 to 3 times per week for oily or heavily congested skin
Consistency prevents re-hardening and keeps pores visibly clearer.
What to expect after your first session
Most people notice:
Smoother texture
Less visible sebum plugs
Clearer pores with reduced shadowing
Makeup applying more evenly
With regular use, pores remain clearer and skin texture looks more balanced.
Why this works better than pore strips
Pore strips pull from the surface and leave the base of the plug behind. They also remove healthy skin cells and can stretch pores over time.
The Ilso method melts the plug from the inside.
No tugging. No tearing. No barrier damage.
It is a controlled, skin-respecting way to manage congestion without causing long-term issues.
